December 31, 2020 – The Town of Needham and Needham Public Health today provided the following update regarding COVID-19.
State DPH COVID-19 Numbers
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports the number of positive cases and deaths daily on the state's COVID-19 dashboard.
Town-specific case numbers are published by the state every Thursday.
- 838 Needham cases to date (12/31/2020). This is an increase of 72 cases since the 12/24/20 report. Needham is in the YELLOW category this week. Read the state’s Weekly Public Health Report here.
- 95 Coronavirus deaths in Needham to date (12/31/20).
Needham Health Urges Safe New Year’s Celebrations
3….2…..1….. goodbye 2020! To help ensure we can celebrate New Year’s with our friends and family next year, Needham Public Health is urging residents to limit their activities this New Year’s Eve. Any gatherings should be limited to household members only. If non-members are a part of your plan, please keep the circle small and consider hosting your event outdoors. Together, we can get through this together, Needham. Happy New Year!
Message About Vaccines from Needham Public Health
Needham Health continues to receive numerous phone calls and emails from residents asking when they are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Needham Public Health does not currently have COVID-19 vaccine available for public distribution. Massachusetts is currently in Phase 1 of the vaccine distribution effort, which means vaccines are being distributed by the state to COVID-facing health care workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
Detailed vaccine information can be found in the State Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Report where residents can track information on vaccines shipped and administered. Complete vaccine information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available on the Massachusetts COVID-19 vaccine webpages.
Needham Public Health has also created a FAQ page to help answer your questions.